Michael Strahan Reportedly Joining Kelly Ripa As Co-Host On 'Live!'

Fox NFL Sunday co-host and former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan will be filling the seat left vacant next to Kelly Ripa last November when her Live! co-host Regis Philbin retired.

The news of Strahan's hiring leaked on Tuesday afternoon, when several staffers at the show confirmed the news; according to TMZ.com. The website also reports that Strahan's rep was spotted outside the show's studio with an "ear to ear" grin.

ABC didn't comment on the apparent news leak; however, the network announced on Monday that the new host would be revealed on September 4, when he (or she) joined Kelly on stage for their first show together.